Learn About Your Furnace’s Heat Exchanger

Ah yes, the modern furnace. Unless you’re a qualified furnace professional like the technicians at Total Heating & Cooling, or you just really love furnaces, you might be perplexed by their many parts helps and functions. A furnace is a complex machine. It’s important for homeowners in Summerfield, NC to know the signs of a malfunctioning furnace regardless of your level of expertise. Every piece of a furnace has a role to play, but one of the most important parts is the heat exchanger.

What Is a Heat Exchanger?

An exchanger can either look like a row of tubes or a row of coils that are styled in a looped fashion. Not all furnaces will have the same shape, that all depends on the model you own. Nonetheless, this part of your furnace is responsible for heating the air.

What Does a Heat Exchanger Do?

A heat exchanger’s job description is within its name. The exchanger quite literally exchanges or transfers heat throughout your home, but it has another job as well. In order for your furnace to generate heat, it uses a process of combustion. The heat exchanger acts kind of like a shield between the combustion chamber and the blower. It helps distribute the heated air throughout the house via your home’s ductwork.

What Happens If the Heat Exchanger Fails?

This can be dangerous. If the exchanger is cracked or isn’t sealed tightly, it can begin to leak. The exchanger is responsible for keeping toxic furnace fumes and other combustion byproducts from escaping and permeating your home. These fumes aren’t safe because they contain carbon monoxide other airborne pollutants.

The qualified furnace professionals at Total Heating & Cooling provide prompt furnace maintenance and repair services that ensure your equipment is safe to use and working properly. If you have any questions or immediate concerns, feel free to give us a call today.